{"product_id":"doctorfish-tang","title":"Doctorfish Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Doctorfish Tang (\u003cem\u003eAcanthurus chirurgus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a distinctive Atlantic surgeonfish recognized by its deep, laterally compressed body, muted gray to olive-brown coloration, and series of narrow vertical bars along the sides. Subtle blue accents can develop around the fins and characteristic scalpel-like caudal spine, giving this saltwater fish an understated but attractive appearance that becomes especially impressive as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to tropical and subtropical Atlantic reef environments, the Doctorfish Tang inhabits shallow coral reefs, rocky areas, and other algae-rich coastal habitats. In the wild, it spends much of the day grazing benthic algae and associated organic material from hard surfaces. This constant activity translates well to a large marine aquarium, where the fish adds movement while naturally browsing established rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent candidate for a spacious reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium, \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus chirurgus\u003c\/em\u003e requires generous swimming room, mature live rock, strong filtration, and regular access to marine vegetable matter. Its temperament is generally manageable with unrelated species, although territorial behavior toward other tangs and surgeonfish should be anticipated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Herbivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Tropical and subtropical Atlantic, including the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, western Atlantic to Brazil, and portions of the eastern Atlantic\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus chirurgus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large aquarium with substantial open swimming space and mature live rock arranged around the perimeter to create grazing surfaces, caves, and sheltered resting areas. Avoid filling the center of the aquarium with dense rockwork, as this active surgeonfish benefits from long, unobstructed swimming lanes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, and robust biological filtration are recommended. Established rockwork with natural algae growth provides valuable grazing opportunities between meals and helps encourage normal foraging behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo specialized substrate is required. A secure aquarium cover is advisable, particularly during acclimation, because startled surgeonfish can make sudden bursts toward the surface. Long-term housing should prioritize swimming room and stable water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Doctorfish Tang is primarily an herbivorous grazer, feeding heavily on benthic algae while also consuming associated detritus and organic material. Its captive diet should contain a substantial amount of marine vegetable matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori regularly, along with spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets, marine algae preparations, and frozen herbivore blends. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other appropriately sized marine foods can be offered occasionally to provide dietary variety, but meaty foods should not dominate the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller feedings throughout the day are beneficial when practical. Providing algae sheets for extended grazing also helps replicate the species' natural feeding pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Doctorfish Tang is generally compatible with peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish but can become territorial toward other surgeonfish. Aggression is most likely with other \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e species and tangs of similar size, shape, or feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping one specimen is the most dependable choice for most home aquariums. Multiple tangs require considerably larger systems with abundant swimming room, several grazing areas, and carefully planned introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include many wrasses, clownfish, anthias, chromis, gobies, larger angelfish, and other appropriately sized community marine fish. Avoid combining it with highly aggressive species that may prevent it from feeding or settling into the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Doctorfish Tang is considered reef safe and is naturally adapted to grazing algae rather than feeding on corals. It is generally appropriate for established reef aquariums containing soft corals, stony corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, crabs, and snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts persistent grazing behavior can be useful in a reef aquarium, although it should receive regular supplemental feeding rather than being expected to survive exclusively on naturally occurring algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated water with consistent temperature and salinity. Avoid rapid parameter changes; long-term stability is more important than maintaining a single exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires a large aquarium with extensive open swimming space and should not be confined to undersized systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeeds frequent access to marine algae and other vegetable-rich foods to support its natural grazing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMay become territorial toward other tangs, particularly similarly shaped surgeonfish and other \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus \u003c\/em\u003especies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits from mature live rock, strong filtration, high oxygen levels, and careful acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHas sharp scalpel-like spines near the base of the tail, so care should be taken when capturing or transferring the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52341672444202,"sku":"TANGxDoctorS","price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52341672476970,"sku":"TANGxDoctorM","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52341672509738,"sku":"TANGxDoctorL","price":146.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.1-7\")","offer_id":52341672542506,"sku":"TANGxDoctorX","price":224.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Doctorfish_809d9850-e667-4c92-8cdd-a11848e123f9.png?v=1787690027","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/doctorfish-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}